Do You Want to Change Your Life?
I wanted to change my life, but I didn’t know how. Then I accidentally found the amazing book that made it happen. If you think you might want to change your life too, read on. Here’s the story.
The Story
SCENE: A huge crowded suburban book store, a sweltering August day a long time ago, right before lunchtime.
My two preschool children were not happy with the last stop on our little shopping trip. And I was tired, frazzled, and frustrated. Again.
All I wanted was a new book before we headed back to the disaster that was our home – was that too much to ask?! Yes, apparently it was. I had to get them out of there before we were thrown out. So I just grabbed the first bright cover that came to hand, zoomed through the checkout, and got home as quickly (yet safely) as possible.
After the boys were bathed, fed, watered, and napping (finally,) it was my time to collapse on the sofa and actually look at my hard-won prize. I was thinking it was probably a romance novel. So imagine my incredulous wonder when I realized the book I just bought was subtitled “From Pigpen to Paradise!”
I honestly hadn’t even read the cover before the checker put it in my bag. All I knew was that it had a friendly cartoon type drawing on the front. Turns out, it was a complete home management system!
No way! It was as if the universe was giving me exactly what I needed at exactly the right moment in my life. A way to focus and come back to what was most important – my family and our home.
Some Background
I married and had my children pretty early in life. Previous to that, I did a lot of babysitting, (and the tiny bit of housework that entailed.) I also took a Personal Finance class. Therefore at 19 years old, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what running my own home would be like. (I hear you laughing over there … !)
So I know you’re not surprised that being a stay at home mom turned out to be a bigger career move than I realized. My children came one right after the other, and I very soon found myself out of my depth. Plus we moved a lot. At the time of our story, we were on our third state, fourth city, and fifth house.
So I wasn’t really at my best. I know I might be preaching to the choir here, but just to clarify. When your home is a mess, parts of your life are probably a mess too. And that’s enough about that. Onward!
Change Your Life with the Sidetracked Home Executives
I spent the rest of that afternoon and all evening reading my new book. And most of the next day setting up my new system. The genius of it is that it’s so simple. It’s a card file of every task you need to run your home. The way you want to run it. Cleaning, appointments, maintenance, finances, holidays, everything.
You have a card file box, a 3×5 (or 4×6) card for each task, and a rotating set of date and month tab dividers. Put each card in its proper date, and you’re set. Each day, you do the cards for that day, then refile. Boom! Couldn’t be simpler.
There’s some planning and figuring up front, of course. You need to decide what tasks to do, how often you want to do them, and how long it takes to do each one. You get help from the book, with suggested lists of things to consider.
And also of course, you don’t have to get it perfect, right out of the chute. If you realize later that you left something out, just make a card for it and file it. Plus you can make changes really easily!
Just One Thing
The only thing to keep in mind is that Peggy Jones and Pam Young published this book in 1980 and revised it around 2001. By now, things have changed a lot. The assumptions about home life that were natural then, might seem a bit outdated now.
I personally am a little uncomfortable with the SHE and HE references. However, I do realize our beautiful authors were in no way insinuating that women are innately less organized than men. It really was just a funny title.
Even considering the above, the system stands. And even though it might be a bit old fashioned, there’s something about a physical box and cards that’s really satisfying. Because it’s a physical system, we get a chance to take a break from our screens – especially for the cleaning and other tasks that happen from home. And managing your home off-line is really refreshing.
The Happy Ending
So you know what I’m going to say.
Once I implemented the system and got the kids involved, it did truly change my life. All our lives. The daily struggles with frustration, uncertainty, and time management eased. I was calmer, and you know that helped everything! I found a real – EASY – step by step guided process. You follow it, and it works!
So if you want a little more order, peace, and beauty in your home, click below and grab a copy of this book. It can literally change your life!
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This Post Shared With
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What a fun post! And it’s all so true!!!! Some thing change, butt having a system and following through will always stay the same, Love all those pics!
Thanks so much Diane! The system really does help. 😊 So glad you stopped by – hope you’re having a lovely week!
I love this so much! I love hearing the story, and I love all of the pictures. Thank you for sharing this great book. I’ll check it out
Oh you’re going to love it Chas! So glad you like the post, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of the system. Thanks so much for being here, and sharing your thoughts! Happy Thursday my friend!
I actually used that book! I was a young stay at home mom in the 80’s, and I needed all the help I could get! I remember the two sisters were funny too. This is a sweet memory for me!
Hi Mary! That’s so fun – we must have been using it at just about the same time! So glad you share the memories. 🙂 Hope you’re having a nice summer, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Sounds like a great book! Back in the ’80s when I was full-force SAHM, cleaning and staying organized was challenging. A friend recommended a book called The Messies Manual. The author spoke about a very similar system that I have used for years! It’s amazing how a system like these can stand the test of time. Some things change, some things stay the same! Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Cindy! That’s the truth isn’t it? Thanks for the new book idea – I’ll have to check out The Messies Manual. You can never have too many organizing tips, right? So fun that you’ve stuck with your system so long too. I love to have this one to go back to when I might have fallen off the wagon a little! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by, and hope you have a lovely weekend!
Aw, I just love the photos! That really sounds like a book I should have had many years ago. I was completely unprepared for running a home and family back in the day. I am still learning! I will look into the book. My daughter, now 26, is much better than I was. I loved this post.
Hi Pam! I hear you about still learning – seems like as soon as we get something figured out, it changes! But you obviously did a fine job if your daughter is doing so well at 26! Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you have a lovely week!
I’m really loving this idea Barbara! I’m all about finding something that’s going to make me more organized. Love the older pictures, I’m so glad you shared them. So happy that you’re being featured this week at Charming Homes and Gardens.
I’m sure it was obvious, but I just LOVE this system! You should give it a try and see what you think. I was amazed! You ladies are so sweet to feature it on Charming Homes and Gardens. It’s one of my favorite link parties because the link ups are great and the hosts are lovely! Take care till next time!
Love this post! So fun to not only get the ideas, but see the sweet pics of you and your kids!
Aww thanks! They were pretty cute – when they weren’t fussing! 🙂 It’s a great system. If you try it, let me know what you think!
Barbara,
How fun is this. I should have known about this book years ago. Organized, I am not!! Look fir your feature on Wednesday Charming Homes and Gardens Link Party! Thanks so much for sharing!
Rachel! Thank you – I’m honored to be featured! I wasn’t born organized either, but this book showed me a way to unbury my latent organization gene! 🙂 So glad you like it too, and so appreciate you stopping by!
Love seeing this book and concept – I read the book back in early 80’s and love the system. Back then the authors had a show on cable, too. Lots of fun. I still use some of the ideas but now that I am retired I have more time to “keep up and play house”. My friends sometimes laugh about how organized I am, or how I don’t forget birthdays, etc….and that is thanks to reading this book! Glad you shared it!
Hi Ann! I’m so glad you know them too, and how fun that they were on cable! I wonder if I could find it on YouTube or anywhere? I actually met them one time – I was one of 500 or so people standing around their table telling them that they’d changed their lives! 🙂 I’m so glad you stopped by! Hope you have a lovely day!
This book would be the perfect present to my daughter! She struggles with organization. I can see that having something that she can touch, follow, would be much easier for her to keep in track. Love the pic of your little boys! ❤️
Hi Cristina! What a kind and thoughtful present that would be – I bet she’d love it! 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting and for your sweet comments! ❤️ Happy Saturday!
It sounds like I need this in my life! Thanks for giving us hope that we can get our lives in order, and thanks for stopping by Tuesday Turn About, Barbara!
Hi Crissy! Thanks for stopping by! This system is the best – plus fun! 😁 But we’re not worrying about anything on this lovely Labor Day right? I start organizing tomorrow! 🤣💛💛
Oh, Barb, What a fun and relatable story with young kids! That book was truly divine intervention! 😂. I loved seeing you and you little boys. Great ideas, too! Thanks for sharing all this!
Ha – so glad you liked it Jill! It IS pretty amazing how things work out sometimes! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by! 💗
I loved seeing pictures of you and your adorable kids!! What a great post! Thanks for sharing your great organization tips Barbara.
Thanks Densie! That was the worst haircut of my entire life, but the boys are cute! Glad you liked it – I swear by this system. (And I guess it’s time to get swearing again soon – my office has gotten a little out of control!) 🙂 Thanks so much as always for being here! 💗
I absolutely loved this post! I think it’s true that sometimes you get just what you need, just when you need it. And it sounds like that is just what happened for you! This looks like a great system. Even though my children are grown and away from home I still feel like I’m in charge of so much! I don’t know how I did it with two small girls! When I think about everything I did as a young mom. I wonder now how I did it! Thanks for the great tip. I will have to check this book out, and the system too. Did you ever reach out to these authors? I’m sure they would love to hear from you and hear your story. And I also love these photos of you as a young mom…how beautiful you were!
(And your are adorable!) Great post!
Oh Terri – you’re so sweet! I know – I have no idea how we did it. All that youthful energy, I guess! 🙂 I haven’t reached out to the authors, but that’s a good idea. I hope you do try the system. It really is a life saver! 💗 Have a great day my friend!
Great post and tips! I really love the photo of you as a new mom. You were and are beautiful.
Mary Jo! Aww thanks – how wonderful to hear from you! 🙂 I love your community spirit, and following along with you on IG. Hope you’re doing well and that we get to meet up someday pretty soon! 💗